Hiring a babysitter/nanny

Timna - posted on 06/18/2010

I really hope that my response to this question is not over the top. This is a topic that I feel strongly about. I was a Nanny for about 7 years. During my time as a Nanny I worked for four different families. I found the families that I worked for through friends, word of mouth, and a nanny agency.
The reason that the nanny agencies and I am assuming the web site that you have been to as well ask you to pay them so that they can help you find a Nanny is because they take care of all of the back ground checks and they have made sure that the people that you look at are people who should be a good match for you to have take care your children. I have seen a lot of good nannies and some really bad ones. Remember this is your baby you are talking about. You will get what you pay for. You most defiantly need interview everyone that you are interested in. If you do not want to use an agency then I recommend that you do your own back ground check of anyone that you are seriously considering for the position.
Make sure when you are interviewing that you ask all of the important questions like do they have first aid/CPR certifications? How much experience do they have dealing with children your child’s age? What does there driving record look like? What are their expectations of this job?
I have had friends that have used criags list to find a nanny for some it worked out really well. But for others it didn't work out that great
As an employer you need to remember a few things as well. A nannies purpose is to take care of the children and all task related to their care. For example keeping their room clean, picking up after them, cooking them meals, and taking the children places. If you want your nanny to do anything else that is not child related like grocery shopping or the dry cleaning you should talk about that before you hire them. You should be willing to give your Nanny some paid vacation time.
Remember that this is what whoever you hire is doing for a living as well. I know that child care is expensive but in the end if you really want to go back to work then the expense is worth it. I really wish you the best of luck. I hope that this has been helpful

Stina - posted on 06/18/2010

ECE= early childhood education AA=associates in arts degree.

Verify the claim by asking where they went to school/graduated and to see the diploma.

A daycare provider with an actual education in early childhood education will be more likely to provide a learning environment- not just plug them in front of the tv HOWEVER, you can find babysitters without these degrees who are just as good.

If you are looking for licensing- check for state licensing.

Ask around for recommendations.

I am not licensed and don't have a degree however, I do watch a friends child on a regular basis. I keep the tv off when she's over and take her to the park, read to her etc. Everything that I do with my own children. I also have taught her how to ask for things with sign language and b/c it's her and my 3 kids, she gets lots of one on one attention.

Bottom line, find someone YOU feel comfortable with. Definitely drop by like Julie suggested.

Julie - posted on 06/18/2010

In my oppinion they could have all the licensing in the world and not be competent. What you need to do is interview them. Check out the babysitting center, get references, see how they handle your child. I was told to stop in unexpectantly, to see how things are during the average day. Ask any other parents you know. They may know a good place to take her. Good luck and hope this helps!